And your favorite non-profit could be the big winner!

December 1, 2009 (Santa Ana, CA) – Last week, we told you that a big surprise was in store for Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez's annual holiday cards this year. After years of mailing cards to constituents, friends, and family, Loretta is doing something different this year - she is going green with her holiday card!

Rather than print thousands of cards this year, Loretta will instead make donations to Orange County non-profits in need by sponsoring a holiday donation competition.

"In light of these tough economic times and given the continued focus on climate change and the need to do more to protect our environment, there was no question that for the first time ever, the right thing for me to do this year was to go green with my holiday cards," said Sanchez. "Those who typically receive my cards will still receive my card, only this year they will receive an electronic version. And with the money we normally spend on printing and mailing the cards, my campaign will give donations to needy non-profits in Orange County through a competitive application process."

Click here to download your application!

The theme of Sanchez’s holiday card this year, “Dancing with the Stars,” features Loretta dancing with a professional instructor as her cat Gretzky judges her performance along with the caption, “Tom DeLay, eat your heart out.” The card may be viewed at www.Loretta.org.

Orange County non-profits that are interested in applying for the competitive awards may fill out an application at www.Loretta.org. Eligibility for Loretta’s Holiday Award for Charity is limited to Orange County-based charitable organizations as defined by section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. The deadline for applications is December 14, 2009, and all applications must be received by this date. One or more awardees will be selected by the Loretta Holiday Award Committee, and awardees will be notified prior to the presentation of awards, which will take place by December 23  2009.